**Diary Entry**
Its strange how life twists and turns. Today, I saw Philip again after seven years. Seven. And yet, standing there in his clinic in London, it felt like no time had passed at allexcept it had, and so much had changed.
It started at university. Id just walked out of my final exam, and there he was, Philip, waiting for me with that same anxious adoration in his eyes. Howd it go? he asked.
Brilliant! I waved my grade sheet at him. And you?
Well done! Knew youd smash it. He grimaced slightly. I got a bit tangled up. A B. Fancy celebrating?
I hesitated, dropping my gaze.
Ah. Let me guessDaniels waiting? he said, deflating.
Sorry. He probably is.
Right, Philip sighed, not bothering to hide his disappointment. Cant compete with the future star scientist, can I? At least let me walk you to the gatessince thats all Im getting. He took my hand and led me down the broad, wrought-iron staircase of the old medical school, its steps humming faintly underfoot.
Ill miss this place, I thought. The cool, shadowy halls that stayed dim even on the hottest days, the scent of formaldehyde and old books.
Philip pushed open the heavy door, and there, by the gates, stood Danieltall, holding flowers. My cheeks burned.
Tell me you love him, Philip said, still gripping my hand.
Hes proposed.
His fingers tightened. I winced. Ow!
Sorry. He let go. Cant help who you love, I suppose.
Lily! Daniel called.
Phil I started.
Go on. Dont keep the fiancé waiting, he said bitterly.
I walked away, feeling his eyes on my back. It wasnt just the university Id miss. It was him. Id taken Philip for granted, never really seen himuntil it was too late.
Daniel thrust the bouquet at me. Mums expecting us for lunch. She wants to discuss the wedding
I havent said yes yet, I snapped.
He prattled on about venues, oblivious.
At graduation, Philip didnt show. Wheres Samuels? I asked his mate, Mike.
Left yesterday. Got a job offer in London. Lucky sod.
I nearly cried. After the ceremony, I went straight home, furious. How could he leave without a word? After all his declarations of love?
Neither of us called. Pride, I suppose. Two months later, I married Daniel.
Seven years passed.
Then, yesterday, I walked into a gynaecologists officeOlgas. Ugh, how do you work with that torture chair? I muttered.
Lily! Come in. Just finished my shift. Whats wrong?
I waited until the nurse left. Daniel and I its not working. His mothers convinced the problems me. Ive had tests, but I didnt want the local clinic gossiping. Can you help?
Olga studied my results. Theres something odd here. Come back tomorrow for more tests.
The next day, she pointed at scans. See these spots? Likely a tumour. Youll need surgerybest done in London.
My stomach lurched. Youre sure?
Ill call Philip Samuels. Hell refer you to a specialist.
Nodont call him. Not yet.
I left in a daze. Thirty years old, dreams of childrengone. I wandered London for hours, numb. At home, Daniel barely glanced up from his computer.
Im going away for a bit, I said.
Mm.
Typical. Too absorbed in his research to care.
The next morning, I left a note and caught the train to London.
Philip answered on the first ring. Lily?! II cant believe it.
I need your help, I said, voice wobbling.
An hour later, I stood in his clinic. Hed grown handsomer, more assured.
Youre staying where? he asked after reviewing my scans.
Nowhere yet. Came straight here.
He admitted me immediately. For three days, tests and whispers, Philip evading questions. Then, finally:
Youre fine.
What?
No tumour. Just inflammation. Olga misread the scans. Youre healthy.
I burst into tears.
Tell Daniel. Hell be relieved.
He doesnt know Im here. I wiped my face. His mothers convinced Im barren. Listenany jobs going here? A GP position?
Philips eyes lit up. Ill ask.
Three days later, I returned home. Resigned from my clinic. My mother-in-law screeched the moment I walked in.
Had your fun, have you? Useless girl
Im not the problem, I cut in. Your son is. Now, if youll excuse me, Ive packing to do.
I left Daniel. No kids, no bitternessjust relief.
Philip kept his word. A job, his patient courtship. A year later, he proposed.
Last chance, he teased. Or am I still second-best?
I made a mistake, I said. Let me fix it.
We married. A year later, our son was born.
Funny, isnt it? Mistakes happenin life, in medicine. But sometimes, just sometimes, you get a second chance.
